How to Install SMPlayer on Debian 12

Introduction

Before we begin talking about how to install SMPlayer on Debian 12, let's briefly understand – What is SMPlayer?

SMPlayer is a feature-packed media player that enhances your audio and video playback experience. With a simple and user-friendly interface, SMPlayer supports a wide range of file formats, including popular ones like MP4 and AVI. You can customize your playback by adjusting settings, such as playback speed and subtitle options.

Additionally, SMPlayer offers advanced features like the ability to remember your settings for each file and resume playback from where you left off. With its extensive functionality and versatility, SMPlayer is a top choice for enjoying media content hassle-free on your computer.

In this tutorial, you will install SMPlayer on Debian 12 We will also address a few FAQs on how to install SMPlayer on Debian 12.

Advantages of SMPlayer

1. Versatile Media Support: SMPlayer can handle a wide range of file formats, ensuring hassle-free playback of your favorite videos and audios.
2. Customizable Playback: Enjoy personalized viewing experiences by adjusting playback settings, subtitle options, and even playback speed.
3. Resume Playback: SMPlayer remembers your settings and allows you to continue watching from where you left off.
4. User-Friendly Interface: With an intuitive interface, SMPlayer offers a simple and smooth media player experience.
5. Advanced Features: Explore advanced features like audio and video filters, YouTube integration, and much more for an enhanced media playback experience.

Install SMPlayer on Debian 12 via APT

Method 1: Install SMPlayer with Debian’s APT Repository

For stability-conscious users, installing SMPlayer from Debian's APT repository is a simple and recommended process. Start by making sure your system is compatible by updating and upgrading it:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Once you have verified that your system is up-to-date, you can install SMPlayer:

sudo apt install smplayer smplayer-l10n

Although effective, this approach might not always offer the newest SMPlayer features. Flatpak with Flathub is a great substitute for those who want the newest updates in a stable environment. On the other hand, users who are tech-savvy or have a relatively unaltered Debian setup can benefit from the combination of stability and the newest features offered by the DEB-Multimedia PPA.

Method 2: Install SMPlayer on Debian via DEB-Multimedia PPA

Offering a multitude of applications specifically designed for all current Debian Linux distributions, the DEB-Multimedia PPA is a shining example in third-party repositories. Since SMPlayer is not included in the default Debian repository, we will install this using DEB-Multimedia.

Step 1: Update Debian

Set the process in motion by updating your system.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Import Deb-Multimedia GPG Key on Debian

When utilizing third-party repositories, security is especially crucial. Therefore, importing the GPG (GNU Privacy Guard) key is essential and serves as the basis for ensuring the confidentiality of information and correspondence:

sudo gpg --no-default-keyring --keyring /usr/share/keyrings/deb-multimedia.gpg --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 5C808C2B65558117

After execution is successful, the following output will be generated, confirming the importation of the key:

Output

gpg: keybox '/usr/share/keyrings/deb-multimedia.gpg' created
gpg: key 5C808C2B65558117: public key "Christian Marillat <marillat@debian.org>" imported
gpg: Total number processed: 1
gpg:               imported: 1

Should you encounter difficulties importing a GPG key from the Ubuntu keyserver, creating the required folders may help. Use the subsequent command to achieve this:

sudo gpg --list-keys

Step 3: Import Deb-Multimedia APT Repository on Debian

echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/deb-multimedia.gpg] \
https://www.deb-multimedia.org $(lsb_release -sc) main non-free" \
| sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/deb-multimedia.list

You may be missing some necessary packages if the import command doesn't run smoothly. To combat this, take off running:

sudo apt install dirmngr software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl lsb-release ca-certificates -y

After installation, try running the import command again.

Step 4: Configure APT Pinning for SMPlayer

Create a Configuration File for Pinning

Setting up APT pinning is necessary to ensure that SMPlayer packages from the www.deb-multimedia.org repository are prioritized by Debian. To begin, open a terminal window and create a new pinning configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/apt/preferences.d/deb-multimedia-pin

Insert Pinning Rules

Enter the following information in the file:

Package: smplayer smplayer-l10n
Pin: origin www.deb-multimedia.org
Pin-Priority: 900

Package: *
Pin: origin www.deb-multimedia.org
Pin-Priority: 1

This setup ensures:

• The SMPlayer packages from www.deb-multimedia.org repository have a high priority (900), which includes smplayer and smplayer-l10n.
• The low priority (1) is applied to all other packages in the www.deb-multimedia.org repository.

Finally, use CTRL+O and CTRL+X to save and close the text editor. SMPlayer package prioritization is now skillfully configured on your Debian system.

Step 5: Refresh the APT Package Index

It's time to update your Apt packages list now that the repository has been imported and the GPG key is safely stored:

sudo apt update

Step 6: Install SMPlayer via APT Command From DEB-Multimedia

Once all the requirements are met, you can use the following command to quickly install SMPlayer on your Debian system:

sudo apt install smplayer smplayer-l10n

Install SMPlayer on Debian 12 via Flatpak and Flathub

An effective but different way to install SMPlayer on Debian Linux is provided by Flatpak. Notably, Flatpak is not included in Debian distributions by default. It is, nevertheless, easily accessible in the Debian repositories.

Step 1: Enable Flathub For SMPlayer on Debian

Enabling Flathub, the main hub for Flatpak applications, is the first step in the journey:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

By adding Flathub as a remote repository for Flatpak, this command helps to prevent duplicates in the event that Flathub is already present.

Step 2: Install SMPlayer via Flatpak Command on Debian

Now that you have Flathub at your disposal, installing SMPlayer is simple:

flatpak install flathub info.smplayer.SMPlayer -y

Using its unique identifier within the repository, this command initiates the installation of SMPlayer from the Flathub repository.

Launch SMPlayer on Debian 12

Once SMPlayer is successfully installed on your Debian system, there are a few ways to run the program, satisfying the needs of both command-line users and graphical interface lovers.

CLI Methods to Launch SMPlayer on Debian

SMPlayer can be quickly launched by users who are familiar with the terminal with the following command:

smplayer

The command is slightly different if you installed SMPlayer using Flatpak, though:

flatpak run info.smplayer.SMPlayer

With this command, you can enjoy the same rich multimedia experience using SMPlayer's containerized version, Flatpak.

GUI Method to Launch SMPlayer on Debian

For those who prefer a visual approach, these navigation steps will make it simple to access SMPlayer through the system's application menu:

Activities > Show Applications > SMPlayer.

Tips on Getting Started with SMPlayer on Debian 12

For Linux users, SMPlayer is a feature-rich multimedia player with a plethora of customization options. Here are some professional pointers and techniques specific to Debian Linux and Linux in general to help you realize its full potential:

Customizing SMPlayer’s Appearance on Debian

• Themes and Skins: SMPlayer has many different skins and themes. To choose your favorite look, go to Options > Preferences > Interface and explore.
• Icon Sets: Navigate to Options > Preferences > Interface > Icon Set to change the icons that are used in the player's interface.

Enhancing Playback Experience on Debian

• Adjust Playback Speed:You can quickly change the speed of a video by selecting Play > Speed and entering the desired speed.
• Audio and Subtitle Synchronization: There are occasions when the audio and subtitles may not be in sync. Go to Audio > Synchronization or Subtitles > Synchronization to make real-time adjustments.
• Video Equalizer: Using the video equalizer under Video > Equalizer, you can improve the brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation of your video.

Advanced SMPlayer Features on Debian

• MPlayer Configuration: MPlayer is the playback engine used by SMPlayer. Advanced users should go to Options > Preferences > Advanced to adjust MPlayer's settings.
• Streaming: Not only is SMPlayer useful for local files. By selecting Open > URL and pasting the desired link, you can stream online content.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn how to use the keyboard shortcuts for SMPlayer to increase productivity. View the full list by selecting Help > Keyboard Shortcuts.

Optimizing SMPlayer’s Performance with Debian

• Hardware Acceleration: Turn on hardware acceleration to guarantee more fluid playback of HD content. You can find this by going to Options > Preferences > Performance.
• Cache Settings: You can achieve more fluid playback for those who are streaming content by modifying the cache. To adjust cache settings, go to Options > Preferences > Network.

Additional SMPlayer Tips with Debian

• Regular Updates: Make sure SMPlayer is updated frequently in order to take advantage of the newest features and security patches. You can use the sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade command on Debian to accomplish this.
• Plugins and Extensions: Examine the available extensions and plugins for SMPlayer to expand on its functionality.

Usage

After installing SMPlayer, you can use the terminal's smplayer command or the applications menu to start the program. Some examples of commands you can use with SMPlayer are as follows:

Open a media file

Use the following command to launch SMPlayer and open a media file:

smplayer /path/to/your/media/file.mp4

Change playback speed

The command to change the playback speed is as follows:

smplayer -speed 1.5 /path/to/your/media/file.mp4

The media file will be played at 1.5 times the standard speed with this command.

Subtitle support

You can use the following command to enable subtitles:

smplayer -sub /path/to/your/subtitle/file.srt /path/to/your/media/file.mp4

When the media file is being played, SMPlayer will show the subtitles.

Additional SMPlayer Commands on Debian 12

Update SMPlayer on Debian

APT Update Method For SMPlayer

Maintaining the most recent version of your software is essential for functionality and security. It's simple to update SMPlayer to the most recent version if you installed it using the APT package manager. Open your terminal and run the following commands to accomplish this:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade smplayer

This procedure updates SMPlayer to the most recent version available in the repositories after refreshing the list of packages that are available.

Flatpak Update Method For SMPlayer

Updating SMPlayer calls for a different command for users who installed SMPlayer using the Flatpak method. Updates can be made to specific apps or to all installed ones using Flatpak. Use this to update SMPlayer:

flatpak update info.smplayer.SMPlayer

Alternately, to make sure all updates for Flatpak applications are up to date:

flatpak update

This command brings installed SMPlayer via Flatpak up to date with the most recent version found on Flathub or the relevant repository.

Remove SMPlayer From Debian

You may find that SMPlayer is no longer necessary for your system in certain situations. The uninstallation procedure differs depending on how you installed the software.

APT Remove Method For SMPlayer

You can uninstall SMPlayer by running the following command if you installed it using the APT package manager:

sudo apt remove smplayer 

Flatpak Remove Method For SMPlayer

The removal command for installations carried out through Flatpak is a little bit different, it will completely remove the SMPlayer and its data related to it:

flatpak uninstall info.smplayer.SMPlayer

FAQs to Install SMPlayer on Debian 12

Conclusion

We hope this tutorial helped you understand how to install SMPlayer on Debian 12.

If you have any queries, please leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to respond to them for sure.